GOLF


We have got a very sensitive course with it being so old, so we like to give it that feel when we design new features


and Aspect Turf from Leeds; all done in an impressive three years. In the fourth year, we are hoping to complete our 18-hole Orange course - a four-thousand-yard short course within the main golf course - with all new tees.” They were putting the finishing touches to the first six main tees whilst I was there.


One of the most significant projects being


The AFT 45 trencher digs the channels for the new irrigation pipes


carried out, which will also continue over the next three years, is the replacement of the 57-year-old irrigation system, which was put under a lot of strain in last summer’s drought. “This is a big outlay for the club, so we have decided to split it up. To help reduce costs, we will do the main line this year using our own AFT 45 trencher to dig the channels for the new pipe, which the irrigation


company will then lay. The pipe will link into our old greens system. Alongside that, we will have quick couplers at tees, so they can be irrigated next year. The year after, all greens will be fitted with valve in head sprinklers, so we can do a lot more efficient watering, enabling us to control individual heads so we can save water by focusing it where it is needed. The final stage will see all eighteen tees irrigated, which will be a first for the club. It will all be controlled on a computer system, which will be fantastic.” It doesn’t stop there for Richie as they also have a few side projects on the go. “We have done six hundred metres of drainage this year that is pretty much standard in our project’s budget. We are doing three main pathways as well; these are just basic MOT (Ministry of Transport) aggregate with a limestone crush top. They are mainly to cope with increased buggy traffic and to bridge wet areas through the winter. The paths were well received last year, so we are looking to eventually path a full nine holes giving what we call a safe buggy route. This will then span the whole of the course, enabling buggy use all year.”


Planning is already in place to start on a bunker renewal programme, which is due to begin after the tees have been completed, but they have already made some steps towards it by filling in at least six bunkers this year. This was done with strategic improvements in mind; the changes are all architect approved and it’s all part of a long- term plan. It’s fair to say Richie and his team have a lot of work cut out for them over the next four years.


Richard ‘Richie’ Stephens 38 PC February/March 2019


After completing his A-Levels, Richie wanted to pursue a career in groundsmanship and was offered a place on a three-year HND course in golf course management. His original intention, after completing this course, was to be a football/ cricket groundsman, but he found himself working in golf as he felt the wages, at the time, were better. His first job after leaving college was at Lee Park Golf Club as an assistant greenkeeper, which was on a short term contract as he had signed up to go to


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